King: “Colonel Bud Day was America’s Greatest Living Hero”

Washington, DC- Congressman Steve King released the following statement to honor Iowan George “Bud” Day, decorated United States Air Force Colonel and pilot who passed away Saturday:

“Col. Bud Day was America’s most decorated living hero,” said King. “Bud received the Medal of Honor and every available combat medal. Bud served through World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. He was a POW at the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ and a bunk mate of John McCain’s. Bud Day survived a no-chute bailout of a jet aircraft, several wounds, and a half dozen other harrowing escapes from death. In spite of merciless and relentless torture at the hands of ‘the V,’ Bud Day did not break under the agony.

Upon his release as a POW, Bud began a long career defending the interests of our veterans in court and in public life. Bud became a great friend of mine and many whom he inspired with his extraordinary human spirit and sense of humor. I have had many occasions with Bud walking the hills of Iowa with shotgun in hand, watching the dogs and puffing feathers into the air. It was the idea and inspiration of Bud Day that brought tens of thousands of people to Washington, D.C. to surround the Capitol for the first time in history to ‘make a recommendation to the Congress.’

It makes me so very, very sad to lose a man like Bud, no matter the years of life and service. But it’s now time to celebrate his life, pray for the Day Family, and marvel that America can produce such giants. Colonel Bud Day was America’s greatest living hero. He now joins the ranks of other giants in America’s history. Let history remember him and may our children learn to know his life.”